RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

1. The energy we use every day comes from two major sources: renewable energy and non-renewable energy sources.
2. Renewable energy is energy that can be replenished. Such energy sources are always available.
3. Non-renewable energy is energy that cannot be replenished when it is used up.

Renewable Energy Sources

The Sun 

• Solar energy comes directly from the Sun.
• Solar energy is used to heat water in homes and to produce electrical energy.

Wind

• Wind is moving air. It has kinetic energy.
• Windmills transform this energy into electrical energy.

Water

• Energy in water is used to generate electricity in hydroelectric power stations.

Biomass

• Biomass energy is obtained from plant and animal waste materials.
• The burning of biomass fuels releases heat energy and generates electrical energy.

Non-Renewable Energy Sources

                                                                             Coal                                                                                     

                                                                   
                                                                          Natural gas                      

                                                                       
                                                                           Petroleum

                                                                                                    

Nuclear reactor

•  Fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas are burnt to produce heat energy for cooking and    moving vehicles and machines.
• These fuels can also be used to generate electricity.
• Nuclear energy is produced in nuclear reactors.
• Nuclear energy is used to generate electrical energy and power submarines, ships and satellites.

4. Renewable energy sources are better than non-renewable energy sources because

• they cannot be used up
• there is little or no pollution